By: Kiyomi Kishaba
Unknown to her, Ali Wriggle’s first venture to Pacific Lutheran University’s involvement fair at the beginning of her first year would shape her entire college experience.
A lifelong athlete, Wriggle “wanted to be apart of a group on campus and…loved athletics and being involved in a team.” She discovered rowing and decided to give it a go.
Three years later, Wriggle has been a member of the Varsity 8+ (top boat) every season as well as a three-time captain.
“The biggest thing that has kept me going with rowing is my teammates and coaches,” Wriggle said. “Having teammates to go through the same challenges and goals has helped me grow as a person.”
The sport of rowing is incredibly challenging, with training occuring early in the mornings on American Lake.
“What many people don’t know about rowing is how much of a toll it can take on your body,” Wriggle said, “It has been said that in one race you work just as hard as playing in two basketball games.”
On top of being a successful student athlete, Wriggle is also a member of the nursing program.
A very demanding area of study, Wriggle has juggled her academics and athletics for the
past three years.
“Being a nursing student and being part of a varsity sport has taught me a lot about how I need to manage my time and be organized,” Wriggle said. “It has also helped me to prioritize the things that I think are important to me.”
As she finishes out her final season competing on the women’s rowing team, Wriggle hopes to continue the achievements of her former seasons and compete next spring at the NCAA national championships in Indiana.
“It would be my fourth year of competing at nationals and that would be an amazing way to end my career.”
